FOLEY – The City of Foley is moving forward with plans to improve drainage along a section of U.S. 98 that has experienced repeated flooding during storms in recent years.
The Foley City Council has approved a capital project to enhance drainage between Hickory Street and Cedar Street in west Foley.
Public Works Director Darrell Russell said the work will include replacing a culvert with a larger concrete drainage pipe south of Magnolia Circle and realigning a ditch to improve water flow.
“For years, we’ve had drainage issues in that area, and this project will help solve those problems,” Russell said.
Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the city purchased a parcel at the site to prevent development that could have made flooding worse. The land, once part of a potato field, is now surrounded by residential neighborhoods.
“Whenever it rained, that corner filled up with water,” Hellmich said. “We purchased the property to help protect nearby houses and make sure future development didn’t add to the flooding.”
The Alabama Department of Transportation will require the installation of a larger drainage pipe at the point where the city’s parcel connects with U.S. 98. Hellmich said the project will make the area more resilient to heavy rain and reduce the risk of flooding.
“This will improve drainage and strengthen the system in this area,” Hellmich said. “During Hurricane Sally, debris blocked the old pipe, which contributed to flooding. This new project will help prevent that from happening again. We want to move on it as quickly as possible.”
Most of the work will be carried out by Foley’s Street Department crews.